Continued from July 12th blog:
Ben Here! for the Love of Starting a tour part 1 of 2
…After it’s all out on stage, the audio guys go through each microphone and DI input in their separate consoles and make sure it’s all working. Then our backline techs test each instrument line, amp and DI with the instruments to get the sound right.
All of this preparation takes from about 8am until we the musicians start showing up. Those of us in Heart showed up at 5:30, asked a few questions, got our instruments in hand and played a soundcheck for 1/2 hr or so.
What we didn’t see was all of the prep, the troubleshooting and the frustration that comes with setting up a tour the first day. There were many issues that popped up and had to be solved before we arrived, and that is the magic of having a lot of talented crew and production people who all work toward the goal having a fun show to present to excited fans!!
After we sound checked, the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts crew, backline, audio, lighting and production got to go through their set-up, troubleshoot and solve their issues, then their band came out and sound checked (and sounded great!).
In all three bands there are people who’ve worked together with each other for years, and all the bands know each other and their crews and production teams. It’s a coming together of lots of friends and acquaintances who love music and are glad to get a fun and profitable tour off the ground.
I get to talk to friends I haven’t seen in years, and it’s gratifying to know there’s a place in the world for us to meet and share stories and recent histories, support each other and be present for each other. I am happy to be able to do what I love to do, for people who come to enjoy it, with the support of so many folks who do what they love to do as they get it all plugged in, set up and working together.
I’m looking forward to the next few months of shows with these three great bands, it’s a show not to be missed……See you there!!
See when Ben will be performing in your area next!
The Rock Hall Three for All Tour Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Cheap Trick!
